Late Spring is an optimal time for pruning fetid dogweed due to the end of the frost period, which minimizes the risk of cold damage to new growth following pruning. It also aligns with the beginning of the plant's active growth cycle, when pruning will stimulate healthy new shoots and can help shape the plant. Early Summer allows gardeners to remove spent blooms and any irregular growth, which can enhance flowering and reduce energy wastage on non-productive plant parts. Pruning in Early Fall is beneficial as it prepares fetid dogweed for dormancy by removing any dead or diseased foliage, thus reducing the likelihood of fungal infections that may occur during the damp, cooler weather. However, late Fall pruning should be avoided as it can stimulate new growth that may be vulnerable to winter damage. It is crucial to avoid stressing the plant during extreme weather conditions, such as high summer heat or impending cold winter, and ensure that pruning does not coincide with fetid dogweed's flowering season to allow the plant to set seeds if desired.
